Starbucks primarily uses Arabica coffee beans.
Arabica is the coffee species most associated with Starbucks’ products. It is widely valued for its aromatic complexity and flavor characteristics, and it is cultivated in many of the world’s principal coffee-growing regions.
Robusta is another important commercial coffee species, often noted for higher caffeine content and a stronger, more bitter profile. Although blends and sourcing policies can vary across the coffee industry, Starbucks describes its coffee as using high-quality Arabica beans.
Arabica refers to the species, not a roast level, blend name, or country of origin. Starbucks buys coffee from multiple producing countries, so identifying Arabica does not identify one particular farm or region.